10. Toxicity

Scandium metal is especially dangerous in the workplace and must be handled with care. It is flammable in dust form when exposed to flame or heat, or when in contact with an oxide. In addition, inhalation of vapors and gases during steam metallurgy and distillation techniques can cause pulmonary embolism, especially in the case of prolonged exposure. Finally, scandium or its compounds, when absorbed orally, tend to accumulate in the liver.